Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

Photo Credit:  LornaWatt on a CC License

Whatever you celebrate, that spirit of giving might be working its magic on you. If you have kids on your "nice list," then some of these books might make the perfect present. Borrow them from the library first, before you commit to that inscription inside the front cover.  

For the silly kid

Silly kids worship authors like Mo Willems, Jon Klassen or Bob Shea.  They probably own all of the classics by Robert Munsch, with crumpled pages from overuse. These kids won't balk at a bit of sophisticated humour.

Ooko by Esmé Shapiro (Ages 3-7)

This little fox is looking for a friend and finds a bunch of Debbies on his way. It's a hilarious story that kids would like and paren'ts would appreciate reading, making it two gifts in one. I laughed out loud.

Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol (Ages 4-7)

Check out this modern folktale with a zany twist. The Babushka's facial expressions tell a thousand words. There's no doubt that this book will make a memorable gift, especially from grandparen'ts.

Tidy by Emily Gravett (Ages 3-7)

Emily Gravett's books often feature such attention to detail that they look like a gift in its wrapping paper already.  "Tidy," with its adorable peephole cover, shows the efforts of an overzealous badger to make the forest neat and clean.  

For the sensitive types

Sensitive kids love a story that warrants an emotional response. Titles by Kevin Henkes or Peter H. Reynolds often do the trick.  "Tell me a story" those sensitive types might say, as they curl up in your lap.

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield (Ages 4-7)

Here is a touching plot that you can read over and over again. A bear goes off to see the world, but never forgets his true home.  

The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles by Michelle Cuevas (Ages 4-8)

This title is a fan favourite among gift-giving children's librarians. A young child will appreciate the surprise ending, while it will stir the imagination of older readers as well.

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan (Ages 4-8)

If you suspect that the child you are buying for does not yet own a copy of the "The Night Gardener" by Terry Fan, it is a whimsical bedtime story filled with mystery and wonder. Readers have made comparisons to Lane Smith's "Grandpa Green" or even Edward Scissorhands!

Something a little different

Finding those titles that set themselves apart from the pack can be a bit of a quest.  Here are a few wildcards to try.  

King Baby by Kate Beaton (Baby Gift, or Ages 4-8)

Kate Beaton's second picture book could be a great title to celebrate baby's first Christmas. Surely the new bundle of joy will lord over this year's family gathering with cuteness.

They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel (Ages 3-6)

Wenzel's first book that he wrote as well as illustrated is about perception or the many different ways there are to look at the same thing. In this case, a cat. It's a fun lap book for a child's collection.  

Skunk on a String by Thao Lam (Ages 4-7)

Maybe wordless picture books are your thing. Might I suggest "Skunk on a String"? The collage artwork in this story about a stripey drifter might inspire some similar artwork.

Remember that you can place your Indigo orders through the Toronto Public Library catalogue and a portion of the sale will be donated to the Toronto Public Library Foundation. Just click the purple "Buy Now" button above the book's summary. Find out more about our affiliate program here.